They have maneuvered a six-day route, surrounded by faster-paced traffic than when some first joined the annual ride. And some traveled thousands of miles for the opportunity of taking part in what could be the end of a 32-year tradition.

The entourage will arrive at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery
around 3:30 on Thursday. While the Alabama Wagon Train organizers are referencing this year as
the "Alabama Wagon Train's Farewell Ride," due to a lack of sponsors, participants are hopeful that
another year is still possible.

John Davis, from Byron, Minn., has ridden with the Alabama Wagon Train for 28 years and seen the event evolve over time.

"In the early years, it was a wild bunch, " said Davis. "Now, it's more family oriented since children are who will keep something like this going."

Davis says car traffic is not as eager to welcome the
train, which will travel on Highway 231 during its trek to Montgomery on Thursday.

"We live in such a fast-paced world now," Davis said. "Traffic is in more of a hurry."

That pace is exactly what Wallace Turner, a 15-year
veteran rider, says makes the the Wagon Train such an important tradition.

View full sizeJohn Davis, of Byron, Minn., has ridden with the Alabama Wagon Train for 28 years. Alabama Wagon Train riders enjoy a day of rest at the Iron Horse Ranch in Wetumpka before traveling to Montgomery tomorrow, March 8, 2012, for the Southeastern Livestock Exposition and Rodeo.

"The wagon train gives you the chance to smell the roses," Turner said.
"You just don't know what you're missing in a car until you get on a
horse and view it at a slow pace."

The Alabama Wagon Train has decreased in size, compared to past years. At its largest, the train included 72 wagons and 1,200 horses. In addition, the length of the journey has also changed. It started as a 10-day journey.

One aspect of the wagon train its attendees say hasn't changed is the sense of fellowship and family riders have during the journey.

"The best thing about the Alabama Wagon Train is the people," said Sidney Watts, who has rode with the train for 20 years. "Every year, it's like a big family reunion."

The public's reception of the Alabama Wagon Train as it travels has also stayed consistent over the years, according to Davis.

"People plan on coming out to see us and wave," he said. "They're supportive and excited about it."

"It's hard work, but it's also one of the highlights of my life," said John Huggins, of Va., who rode in 2003 and decided to ride again after hearing it may be the last year.

On Wednesday night, The Southeastern Livestock Exposition and Rodeo was to host a special event for patients of the Children's Hospital of Alabama. Billed as a Miracle Rodeo, the goal was to let the children enjoy the experiences of the rodeo and meet with the entertainers.

On the rodeo's opening night Thursday, the IPRA National All Regions Finals Rodeo will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 and available through Ticketmaster.